Virginia’s Most Underrated Fall Getaway: Riverside Delights & Small Town Charm

Whether it’s bayside bliss, sensational meals, vibrant shores, and astounding mountains, Virginia presents extra numerous experiences than one may count on.

There’s one city being hyped by Coastal Virginia Magazine that even has these coastal consultants venturing inland in favor of small city allure and riverside delights for an ideal journey with out the pesky crowds you might discover elsewhere.

Hosting festive occasions in what’s already a vibrant city gleaming in nostalgia solely amplified by autumn colours, this hideaway hugging the Potomac River is one among Virginia’s greatest escapes to keep away from the town bustle in favor of cobblestone strolls.

Only a 25 minute drive, and even quicker with a 15-minute Amtrak journey from Washington DC, it is tremendous simple to achieve regardless of feeling worlds away with its historic aptitude — one among many explanation why we at Travel Off Path consider Virginia is one among America’s most underrated adventures for an unforgettable fall getaway.

Calling All Leaf-Peepers! Immerse In Alexandria’s Fall Ambiance

Leave the crowds behind in DC and head down the tranquil Potomac to this timeless gem that oozes fall splendor within the coming months.

Alexandria ought to be your go-to spot to walk downtown’s old-timey streets with a PSL in hand and rockin’ your favourite sweater that is been within the closet far too lengthy.

Not solely is Alexandria vibrant and aesthetically pleasing from an architectural perspective with red-brick walkways and each constructing seeming to boasting a unique shade, its artwork scene is buzzing with enjoyable occasions all through the season.

One of which is Art on the Avenue, celebrating its thirtieth 12 months on October 4th.

Additionally, there are choose dates of public installations at Waterfront Park, which simply so occurs to be an excellent spot for sundown strolls and foliage photo-ops backdropped by calm waters.

Though, the town itself highlights these 4 parks as the most effective spots to get pleasure from autumn magnificence with a shade wheel of leaves starting from rustic reds to close glow-in-the-dark golds:

1. Fort Ward Park
2. Alexandria Cemetery (and spooky vibes!)
3. Jones Point Park
4. Monticello Park

But for the last word hideaway to immerse in fall’s most interesting colours, Mount Vernon has an award-winning path it is so attractive — and extremely really useful to discover on 2 wheels. 🚴‍♀️

Visit Car-Free? Local Experts Say Yes

Alexandria’s charming Old Town is a delight to stroll via. That’s to not see say it would not make an superior stopping level or end-cap to a scenic street journey, however native consultants at Coastal Virginia Magazine encourage a ‘car-free go to’.

And the numbers again it up. Downtown Alexandria a has a near-perfect Walk Score of 99/100.

Lined with indy retailers, cozy cafes and eating places, and historic sights certainly to catch your eye, which means it is time to hop aboard an Amtrak to get right here.

You’re undoubtedly not alone when you achieve this, and the expertise might convey the most important crowd throughout your journey as Virginia welcomed a record number of rail riders given so many superior locations to go to.

Alexandria is actually within the combine. Of course, the preferred gateway right here is from close by Washington DC, as quick as quarter-hour away and as little as $9 for a Coach seat.

Once right here, in case your boots aren’t made for walkin’, do not fret! Alexandria’s free King Street Trolley has your again (and your toes).

Just know when you plan on visiting the famed George Washington Masonic National Memorial, the trolley would not go that far.

Enjoy Riverside Delights

Alexandria presents one lodge alongside the Potomac River, and it is a identify all of us love.

Hotel Indigo Old Town Alexandria is not simply steps away — you possibly can’t get any nearer without having swimwear.

There’s no higher place to remain for sweeping waterfront views, until you possibly can rating an Airbnb for more room.

But the actual delights are on your tastebuds. There are much more locations to eat than there are to relaxation your head at evening.

Ada’s on the River is one among locals’ and vacationers’ favourite locales to sip decadent wine, minimize right into a juicy steak, and take within the surroundings.